Art-therapy workshops
What is it?
This experience is approximately 1,5 – 2 hours long. The art therapist encourages participants to embark on an artistic project with technical guidance so that they can dare to experiment, play and develop their creativity in order to blossom and rebuild themselves, aware of their abilities and resources. This is done without judging or analysing their achievements. The museum will offer 140 art therapy workshops per year to accommodate up to 1,400 patients from the open prescription services of the University Hospital Centre of Lille.
Why is it important? / How can it help the professionals of the cultural sector?
The unique aspect of this initiative is combining the concepts of “museum” and “prescription,” typically associated with medical treatment. It proves that not only there is a link between art and health, but that the first can have a beneficial influence on the latter. It may legitimise the culture actions. According to the creators of the initiatives, evaluation questionnaires will be conceived for the participants, firstly to get their feedback, and secondly to be able to transfer this initiative to other cultural establishments.
Project /organisation name
Where (country / region)
Type of institution
Permanent or temporary exhibition / project
Date
Physical / digital
Public targeted
All patients. One group dedicated to female patients undergoing treatment in CHU’s assisted reproductive technology (ART) service.
Device/ inclusive features
Collaborations / partners
Le Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille (the Lille Fine Arts Palace)
Funding
This initiative is a part of ‘Culture and Health’ convention, unanimously voted on by the Lille Municipal Council. Therefore, the initiative is funded by the city of Lille that wants to do more in the sector of health and culture.
Replicability/adaptability
The potential for replicating it is big, given the fact that the main feature here is not the place itself, but rather the workshops that can be easily adapted in other places anywhere in the world.
Websites
Photos / videos to illustrate the good practice
Results / impact
The initiative aims to support multiple groups, one of them being women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) by offering a group experience that helps them feel less alone. Although participants initially discuss their ART experiences, the main therapeutic focus is on art, which helps them forget their reasons for being there and alleviates their emotional burdens. This “group effect” provides a sense of reassurance, safety, and comfort, often described as “cocooning.” ART is often a long, emotionally challenging journey with potential psychological and physical hardships. The goal is to enhance the well-being of these women, reduce anxiety, stop negative thought patterns, and shift away from self-deprecation.
Testimonials
“I don’t think it’s ever been done in the context of assisted reproductive technology, not even in the United States. Then we’ll see if we can build on a longer-term project. It will be the patients who guide us.” Christine Decanter, working at the museum
“We’re convinced that art can have a beneficial effect on patient care. It’s something we’re convinced of, but it’s not just about the venue, because the venue can be very, very beneficial, but the works of art can also be extraordinary, they can do a lot of good, but not everyone has access to them, (…) and maybe they’re not sensitive to it either, and we also think that if we’re accompanied, we’re bound to succeed.” Juliette Barthélemy, Head of Mediation and Public Involvement at the Palais des Beaux Arts in Lille